At a Glance

The splendor of nature beckons you to Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, a vast and pristine area of rainforests, mountains and rivers. Experience the crash of Pacific surf on the sea stacks at LaPush, stroll a fragrant trail to lovely Marymere Falls and marvel at the greenest place you’ll ever see: the Hoh Rainforest. Learn from a Makah tribal member about the life and traditions of Neah Bay, the westernmost point in the continental U.S. Study the ecology of this unspoiled environment with National Park rangers and naturalists. Take home memories of old-growth forests, deep blue mountain lakes, wood smoke from a driftwood campfire and the perfume of sunbaked cedar boughs along the trail.

Best of all, you'll ...

Ascend an 18-mile highway to Hurricane Ridge for close-up views of snow-covered Mount Olympus in Olympic National Park.

Enjoy a delightful lunch at historic Lake Crescent Lodge.

Delight in a Sunday live music concert in a relaxed setting.

General Notes

Outdoor program in variable weather conditions. Accessing some locations requires driving up to two hours each way on a comfortable, restroom-equipped coach.

Suggested Reading List

View 8 books

Snow Falling on Cedars

by David Guterson

A study of how people respond to the tides of war, set on Bainbridge Island across Puget Sound from Seattle.

New Land, North of the Columbia

by Dr. Lorraine McConaghy

An engaging history of Washington Territory and State, presented through an examination and explanation of original documents by the state's premier historian.

Warship Under Sail: The USS Decatur in the Pacific West

by Dr. Lorraine McConaghy

The detailed and lively story of the US Navy in the Pacific Northwest during the transition from sail to steam.

Afternoon: Register in the lobby at any time between 4:00 and 5:00 pm.

Dinner: Dinner tonight will be in a popular restaurant adjacent to our hotel. Choose a salad, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage. Other beverages available for purchase. We'll review the program agenda, answer any questions and introduce ourselves to one another.

Evening: We have an early start and a busy day tomorrow. Rest well tonight!

DAY

2

Attend concert in Port Townsend.

Port Angeles

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Port Angeles Red Lion Hotel

Activity note: Enjoy an Olympic Music Festival concert in the theater at Ft. Warden.

Breakfast: After an early breakfast in the hotel lobby we will load our luggage onto the coach and head for the ferry terminal in Seattle.

Morning: We'll ride across Puget Sound on the Washington State ferry to Bainbridge Island and through the little town of Poulsbo.

Lunch: Browse the shops and sights on Water Street in historic Port Townsend. Voucher provided to enjoy lunch in one of the town's many enticing cafes and restaurants.

Afternoon: Enjoy an Olympic Music Festival Concert in the theater at historic Ft. Warden.

Evening: There's time for a swim in the outdoor pool before the sun sets.

DAY

3

Visit the Hoh Rain Forest and Forks Logging Museum.

Port Angeles

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Port Angeles Red Lion Hotel

Activity note: Walk over one mile on a well-maintained forest trail in a temperate rain forest with naturalist guide. Learn about logging in the area at the Forks Logging Museum. .

Breakfast: Breakfast in our hotel this morning. Menu will vary daily, but throughout the week choose from eggs prepared in a variety of ways, ham/bacon/sausage, French toast, fresh fruit, juices, toast and breakfast breads, yogurt, hot oatmeal, coffee/tea/decaf.

Morning: Pick up a sack lunch at Safeway, then travel to the Hoh Rain Forest. A naturalist will accompany our group all day today. Walk through a green, green forest of moss-draped old growth trees along a rushing river. Look for elk, otters, many birds and the occasional slug.

Lunch: We'll lunch on picnic tables near the park visitor center.

Afternoon: On our way back to Port Angeles we'll stop at the Forks Logging Museum. It displays artifacts and exhibits relating to the logging industry, long central to this area. Visit a replica fire lookout cabin and imagine spending the summer in this tiny space! If you know a "Twilight" fan, snap a photo with Bella's truck.

Dinner: Dinner tonight will be at your leisure in one of the charming cafes and restaurants near our hotel. Join the group or choose from among suggested cafes and restaurants.

Evening: At leisure,

DAY

4

Visit Neah Bay, the Makah Tribal Museum, LaPush

Port Angeles

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Port Angeles Red Lion Hotel

Activity note: Learn about tribal life today and in the past at the Makah Tribal Museum. Walk the beautiful First Beach at LaPush.

Breakfast: Breakfast will be in the hotel.

Morning: Drive about two hours, with a rest stop included, to the most north-westerly point in the continental US. Hear from a Makah tribal member about life here and about issues of interest to the tribe.

Lunch: Eat your sack lunch purchased at Safeway this morning in the museum meeting room or outside in the sun.

Afternoon: Drive to the Quileute reservation to walk First Beach at LaPush, with its dramatic sea stacks and flocks of pelicans skimming the tops of the waves. Build a beach fire and...s'mores anyone?

Dinner: Dinner tonight will be on your own in Port Angeles. Restaurant recommendations will be offered. There are a number of excellent restaurants in every price range within a few blocks of our hotel.

DAY

5

See Marymere Falls and dramatic Hurricane Ridge

Port Angeles

B,L,D

Port Angeles Red Lion Hotel

Activity note: Stroll a fragrant forest path to a lovely waterfall. Ascend 18 miles to Hurricane Ridge and find yourself in a bowl of mountains. Wildflowers and wildlife abound. Learn about the removal of the dams on the Elwha River after dinner tonight.

Breakfast: Breakfast today will be in the hotel.

Morning: We'll drive less than an hour to Lake Crescent and stroll 1.5 miles round trip to see Marymere Falls.

Lunch: Lunch in the historic Lake Crescent Lodge on your choice of delicious entrees and a tasty dessert. PLEASE LIST YOUR LUNCH CHOICE ON YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION FORM SINCE WE MUST PLACE OUR ORDERS A WEEK BEFORE THE PROGRAM. THERE'S A FOOD CHOICE SECTION TOWARDS THE END OF THE FORM--THAT'S A GOOD SPOT FOR THIS.

Afternoon: Now on to Hurricane Ridge, elevation 5242', in the midst of the Olympic Mountains. See wildflowers and wildlife and look across to Vancouver Island. Optional walks and ranger talks.

Dinner: Dinner tonight will be at the hotel.

Evening: Hear from an expert about the removal of two dams on the Elwha River and the effects on everything downstream.

Morning: It's time to depart from Pt. Angeles at 8:30 am this morning. We expect to arrive at SeaTac Airport no later than noon but traffic conditions or ferry schedules may make our arrival a little later. There are many restaurants and cafes at the airport for your lunch before your flight departs. Thank you for sharing this Olympic adventure. Bon Voyage!

Meals

12 Meals

5 Breakfasts

4 Lunches

3 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Salt, Low Fat, Vegetarian

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

The Olympic Penninsula is a spectacular place where you can experience an old growth rain forest, dramatic Pacific Ocean beaches, a wonderful Native American museum and great mountain and ocean views. The pace is moderate and not strenuous, and the salmon - clams - crabs - halibut are great eating.

The Olympic Peninsula provides an excellent introduction to the scenic Northwest--the big trees, the water, the hills, the log trucks, the fires..one learns that there are no easy answers to the questions that arise with respect to the land.